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Australian Prescriber Vol. 20 No. 4 1997

Osteoporosis

As we get older, our bones become thinner. If the bones become too thin and porous, this is called osteoporosis. They may break easily. Many hip fractures in elderly people are due to osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis affects mainly women, it also occurs in men.

The best way to treat patients with osteoporosis is not clear, so a large meeting of experts was held in late 1996. This consensus conference made recommendations for treatment.

Although treatment is important, regular exercise, adequate calcium in the diet and not smoking may help prevent osteoporosis.